The 25 best moves NFL teams made in 2024

The most impactful move of the offseason was one of the first, when the Chargers recruited Harbaugh away from Michigan after winning a National Championship. The former 49ers head coach inherited a roster in rough shape, and has shaped it into a playoff contender again.

Canales opened eyes in only one season as the Bucs offensive coordinator, revitalizing Baker Mayfield, and the Panthers hire is also starting to pay dividends now despite Carolina’s 3-10 start. In particular, the team has seen very promising development in the second half of the season from Bryce Young, along with young players Chuba Hubbard and Xavier Legette. After a terrible start to the season, Panthers fans finally have reason for optimism.

Franklin-Myers only cost Denver a sixth-round pick, but he’s gone a long way in righting the Broncos defense. He’s played at an elite level, with five sacks and 33 tackles in his first 13 games this season.

McConkey had big shoes to fill, replacing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in LA. Not only has he been successful, but he could be the most productive rookie wideout in a loaded class despite falling to the second round.

Given his success in college and now the NFL, it’s hard to believe Bowers fell to the Raiders at No. 13 in the draft. He’s off to a sizzling start as the team’s top receiver, with 87 catches for 933 yards and four touchdowns in his first 13 games.

Barkley not only revitalized his career after moving on from the Giants, but he could finish with a historic season. He has 2,000 rushing yards within reach, and is among the league’s top MVP candidates. For the cost of only $25.5 million guaranteed over three years, he’s a serious bargain.

After four inconsistent seasons in New Orleans, Baun found the right opportunity in Philly. Pushed to inside linebacker, he’s been one of the league’s most productive tackles with 129 plus 3.5 sacks in 13 games. He should be paid handsomely this offseason after his breakout performance.

Like Saquon Barkley, Henry is showing that he deserves more respect than his former team gave him. Through Week 14, Henry leads the league with 14 touchdowns and has averaged an elite 5.9 yards per carry. It appears Tennessee gave up too soon on their franchise player, who signed for only two years and $16 million with $9 guaranteed.

During the 1984 NBA Draft, Michael Jordan fell into Chicago’s lap with the No. 3 pick. Daniels could be Washington’s version, going No. 2 after the Bears selected Caleb Williams first overall. He’s the clear favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, putting the Commanders back in contention with 21 total touchdowns in 13 games as he success through the air and the ground.

After struggling in Arizona over the last two seasons, Ertz was an under-the-radar signing at age 34 despite three Pro Bowls to his name. He hasn’t played at a Pro Bowl level, but Ertz has been a strong outlet receiver for Jayden Daniels with 52 catches in his first 13 games. The addition has been important in Daniels’ development.

Cleveland won’t say it out loud, but a quality backup quarterback was one of their most important spots on the roster due to Deshaun Watson‘s struggles. Joe Flacco emerged last season, and Winston has done a very nice job this season despite a 2-4 record over his first six starts. The veteran could fetch some interest as a starter in the offseason if his strong player (66.0 QBR) continues.

Jeudy was never consistent in Denver, but Cleveland was happy to trade two late-round draft picks and sign him to an extension. The risk has already paid off, with Jeudy having a career year and emerging as the team’s No. 1 receiver.

Cincinnati moving on from Mixon in the offseason was likely as much about cost as his recent decline. Houston has welcomed his revitalization, with over 1,100 yards from scrimmage and 12 scores in his first 10 games of the year. Mixon only cost Houston a seventh-round pick and cap space.

Houston moved on from Jonathan Greenard in the offseason in favor of a more accomplished edge rusher. Hunter is likely on his way to a third straight Pro Bowl, recording 10.5 sacks through Week 14 and making his two-year, $49 million contract seem worthwhile.

Sean Payton could not fix Russell Wilson, but another opportunity opened up with the drafting of Nix 12th overall. An experienced college quarterback, Nix has quickly become a productive quarterback after a rough start with 17 touchdown passes through 13 starts.

Fowler has a history with Washington head coach Dan Quinn, so joining Quinn in Washington was a natural fit. He’s rebounded this season after a quiet 2023 season in Dallas, recording 8.5 sacks and 30 tackles over his first 13 games.

A two-time All-Pro, Byard saw some slippage in his play between Tennessee and Philadelphia last season. The veteran is back on track with Chicago this season, recording 99 tackles and six passes defensed in his first 13 games.

Darnold appeared to be nothing more than insurance for rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy entering the preseason. After McCarthy was lost for the year to injury, Darnold emerged as the starter and has been more productive than the team could have imagined. He’s thrown for 28 touchdowns with nearly 3,300 yards through his first 13 starts, as the Vikings eye a playoff run. Not bad for a one-year deal worth no more than $10 million.

Van Ginkel was a productive player in Brian Flores‘ Miami defense, and he’s been even more productive after joining him in Minnesota. He’s having a career year with nine sacks in his first 13 games after signing a two-year deal in the offseason.

The Packers made the gutsy decision to release Aaron Jones and sign Jacobs for big money in the offseason. That move has paid off, as Jacobs has gained over 1,300 yards from scrimmage and scored 12 touchdowns in his first 13 games.

Atlanta opened eyes by signing Mooney to a three-year, $39 million contract despite recent struggles in Chicago. He’s been a key part of the Falcons offense with 57 catches for 873 yards and five scores in his first 13 games, adding a deep threat.

Floyd is on his third team in three seasons, but he remains very productive. He’s recorded 8.5 sacks in his first 13 games for the 49ers, getting paid $12 million guaranteed this season.

Great offensive line play has been key to Detroit’s recent success, and the addition of Zeitler was a great fit. He made the Pro Bowl in Baltimore last season, and has continue to play at that level on a one-year deal with the Lions.

Philadelphia addressed their dire need in the secondary during the draft, adding Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean within the first 40 picks of the draft. The young pair has helped the Eagles defense return to the elite in the NFL.

With major cap issues in the offseason, the Chargers had to be thrifty and selective where they spent money. Ford’s addition for less than $1.8 million was a major win, as a key interior defender who has recorded 33 tackles and three sacks in 13 games after a disappointing 2023 season in Buffalo.